Best Man Under the Mistletoe

by Jules Bennett

  Chelsea closed her eyes, willing those words to be true, but his actions said different...didn’t they? Had she jumped to conclusions?

  “We’ve all been through so much.” Chelsea reached out to adjust her friend’s veil around her face. “Let’s just focus on the happiness of today. It’s two days before Christmas and everything is finally settling back down after a year of scandal. This is going to be the best day and a new beginning.”

  Brandee nodded. “Let’s fix your makeup and get ready for the pictures. But I want you to keep in mind, Gabe is exactly the man he claims to be. I’d stake my life on it.”

  Chelsea wasn’t so sure she could say the same, but she’d laid her heart on the line, which was pretty much the same. She needed some space to think. Unfortunately, she’d be walking arm in arm with the only man she’d ever loved in a very short time.

  Right now she needed to put on her happy face and coat of armor. This day was about to test every bit of her strength.

  Seventeen

  “You look stunning.”

  Gabe whispered the compliment as Chelsea slid her arm over his elbow. She clutched her gold ribbon that secured a ball of mistletoe. In lieu of bouquets, Chelsea and Brandee had gone with mistletoe...and now he was being mocked by the classic flower.

  The late afternoon wedding at the TCC was perfect. As he glanced around, Gabe saw every detail that he and Chelsea had a hand in. He had to focus on things like that because the woman at his side was driving him out of his mind with want and need.

  The way Chelsea’s body shifted beneath the material of her dress, the way she delicately brushed against his body, had his mind pumping into overdrive.

  The last time he’d seen her in that dress...

  Gabe focused on making it down the aisle, his hand securing hers over his arm. He needed to touch her, needed to feel her. Regardless of whether this was just for the sake of appearances, he’d take what he could get at this point.

  The way she’d left so hurt and angry only hours ago—yeah, he had to have some sort of contact. He’d sat in his apartment and slowly driven himself insane with what he should have done differently and how he could have avoided hurting her.

  But he honestly didn’t know that he would have done things differently. Yes, he could have informed her that he’d received the mail from his uncle, but he’d planned on doing that when he turned them over to the authorities.

  She was understandably upset, but just as she had at the start of their relationship, she would come to see that she was wrong. His actions would speak for themselves. He just had to figure out how the hell to get her to understand that he had been protecting her.

  Chelsea remained silent as they reached the end of the aisle and parted ways. His arm and hand instantly chilled. Holding this winter wedding outdoors had nothing to do with it, either. The tent where Brandee and Shane were about to exchange their vows was heated.

  No, his chill came from the fact that the one woman he’d allowed himself to truly love, the one woman who’d entered his life like a whirlwind and settled deep into his heart, had pushed him away.

  In her defense, she had good reasons for being wary. But where he was concerned, her fears and suspicions were misplaced.

  Canon in D chimed through the very well hidden speakers and everyone in attendance came to their feet. Gabe glanced to the end of the aisle as Brandee came around the corner. Shane tipped his head down and rubbed his eyes. Gabe reached up and squeezed his shoulder in silent encouragement.

  He couldn’t imagine what was going through his best friend’s mind. What would it be like to find the one you wanted to spend your life with? What would it be like to have her coming toward you, ready to take a risk together like nothing else in the entire world mattered?

  Gabe turned his attention to Chelsea. Her eyes were locked on the bride, but her shoulders were stiff and she held tight to the ribbon of mistletoe. There was a hint of a smile on her face, but Gabe saw the hurt in her eyes and knew she was anything but relaxed.

  Gabe paid little attention to the vows and ring exchange. He didn’t take his eyes off Chelsea and when she met his gaze, he didn’t look away. Neither did she.

  He had no idea what was going through her mind, or what was even going on around them. He didn’t care. All that mattered was Chelsea. Damn it. His heart flipped in his chest. She’d gone and worked her way right into the deepest part of him—and he realized that’s exactly where he wanted her.

  This wasn’t just him wanting to prove his innocence to her and make sure she wasn’t hurting. Yes, he did want both of those things, but the obvious reason was literally staring right back at him. He wanted Chelsea in his life, now, tomorrow, forever.

  He wanted what Brandee and Shane had; he wanted what so many of their friends had found. There had never been another to grab his heart the way Chelsea had and he wasn’t about to just let her walk out of his life.

  As soon as the ceremony was over, Gabe waited for the newly married couple to turn to the guests and make their way back down the aisle. The music started up in celebration of the milestone moment.

  Gabe stepped up, extending his elbow for Chelsea to take. She didn’t meet his eyes as she did so.

  “We need to talk,” he murmured out the side of his mouth as they made their way off the elevated platform.

  “Not yet.”

  Well, at least she’d replied and hadn’t completely shot him down. That was a step in the right direction.

  As they joined the party lining up in the back to greet guests, Chelsea quickly let go of him and went to stand next to Brandee.

  The evening seemed to drag on for him, but he was positive the newly married couple was having the time of their lives. Chelsea always seemed busy or missing when he went to find her. Most likely she was avoiding him, and that was okay, but it was only so long before he caught up with her. He had no idea what he planned to say, no idea how to make this all go away, but he would.

  Gabe caught a flash of gold in the distance, but by the time he crossed the patio area just off the TCC ballroom, he realized it wasn’t Chelsea but another guest.

  Cursing, Gabe turned and nearly tripped a waiter carrying a tray of drinks.

  “’Scuse me,” he said, holding his arms out to make sure the tray stayed level.

  “Care for a bourbon?” the waiter asked.

  Gabe grabbed one of the tumblers and muttered his thanks before moving on. He wasn’t in the mood to mingle or dance; he only wanted to talk to Chelsea. As he rounded the back of the building near the walking trails and stables, he found Daniel and Chelsea in an embrace.

  Clearly he’d stumbled upon something private. As he started to turn away, Chelsea’s words stopped him.

  “You warned me,” she said, her voice slightly trembling. “You told me I’d get hurt and I didn’t want to hear it.”

  Gabe slid behind some landscaping near the corner of the building so as not to be seen. He’d just listen for a minute, then he’d give them their privacy. He knew he should walk away now, but damn it, this was the woman he loved and he wanted to know what he was up against in this fight.

  “I never wanted to be right about this,” Daniel said. “I want you to find happiness, Chels. I just didn’t think Gabe was the guy for you.”

  What the hell? Her brother had warned her off? Anger bubbled within Gabe and he started to step away from his hiding place, but Chelsea’s cry stopped him in his tracks.

  “But I love him.”

  Hope quickly replaced the anger. She loved him? So all the hurt he’d seen in her eyes was about thinking the man she loved had betrayed her trust. As much as he wanted to be angry over this whole situation—with his uncle and with himself for hurting Chelsea—all he could focus on was the fact that she loved him.

  It was almost like
a weight had been lifted from his chest. Those words were all he needed to know he’d get her back. Between his determination and her declaration, that was all the ammunition he needed to secure Chelsea in his life. Forever.

  * * *

  Chelsea pulled back from Daniel’s embrace and dabbed beneath her eyes. “I didn’t want to have a meltdown, but I wanted to let you know what was going on.”

  “You weren’t acting like yourself,” he replied, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket.

  Chelsea smiled as she took it. “You always were a gentleman.”

  “So what are you going to do?” he asked. “You don’t trust him, but you love him.”

  That about summed up this complex situation. Seeing Gabe in his tux, having him hold on to her for the briefest of moments before the wedding vows, had been almost too much to take. She’d tried to focus on the ceremony but keeping her eyes away from Gabe had been near impossible. He’d caught her looking at him once and she’d been unable to turn away. When those gray eyes had locked onto hers, Chelsea swore he was looking into her soul.

  “I want to believe him.” She looked up at her brother, knowing she’d find concern in his expression. “My heart and my head are saying two different things. I just need to talk to him, but I need time first.”

  “What can I do?”

  Chelsea smoothed a hand down her gown and shook her head. “Nothing at all. Take care of Erin and those babies. I’ll handle my love life.”

  Daniel’s lips thinned as he shoved his hands into his suit pockets. “I know you’re smart, but I just don’t want you to be taken advantage of or to be wrapped up in another scandal.”

  “I won’t be,” she assured him. “We’re all moving on now that Maverick has been pinpointed. I won’t let anyone hurt me like that again. Whoever the accomplice is, they’re likely lying low right now.”

  The words were for her brother’s peace of mind, but they were a vow to herself. She refused to ever be the victim again.

  “I should get back to the reception.” Chelsea wrapped her arms around her brother once more. “Thanks for always listening.”

  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else when you need me.”

  Chelsea turned away and made her way back to the reception. Thankfully it was wrapping up and Brandee and Shane would head off on their honeymoon soon. They were escaping to someplace tropical and private, so private they hadn’t disclosed their destination to friends and family.

  Now that the excitement and the hustle and bustle were over, Chelsea planned to take the next two days and do nothing but enjoy the Christmas season. She’d drink hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and peppermint flakes, she’d watch classic movies that were sure to take her mind off her current issues, and she’d not have any contact with Gabriel Walsh until she knew exactly what she wanted to say to him.

  And until she could get her emotions under control because damn if she still didn’t want the man.

  Eighteen

  It was Christmas Eve morning and he still hadn’t heard a word from Chelsea. She’d slipped from the reception shortly after the bride and groom. In the few minutes Gabe had stayed beyond that, he’d been greeted with a glare from Daniel. Just when Chelsea’s brother had started to make his way over to Gabe, Erin had intervened and they had left.

  As much as Gabe wanted to stand his ground and talk to Daniel, the most important person he needed to see wasn’t returning his texts. He got that she needed space, but her timeframe was about to expire.

  Gabe had already taken steps to secure their future. He’d already made sure that nothing else incriminating or embarrassing would crop up out of nowhere down the road. Above all else, he had made sure she was protected. Even if she didn’t accept his love, his commitment to her, Gabe still wanted to put a shield of protection around her.

  Tonight would be the perfect time to approach her. The annual candlelight and caroling event around the twenty-foot tree in Royal’s town square couldn’t provide a better setting. He knew Chelsea would be there. Everyone went to the event to light candles, join family and friends, and sing carols. Then they’d all fellowship together afterward as the area businesses provided hot chocolate and baked goods and the shops that lined the square stayed open late. Everyone, no matter their background, their financial status or their age came to celebrate the season.

  Chelsea would feel comfortable there. They’d be surrounded by people, so there would be no pressure, but there would also be nowhere for her to run.

  Considering he had several more hours to worry about her response, Gabe decided to fill the time making calls and checking on his clients. The swift damage control he’d run in the last couple weeks had paid off. The reputation of his company was strong as ever and more potential clients were pouring in. His career couldn’t be better and his global prospects seemed to be a great possibility.

  He’d turned the photos over to Nathan, but Gabe wasn’t relinquishing control of everything. The hunt for Dusty’s accomplice would be over and done with soon and Chelsea could truly move on...hopefully with him. But Gabe was keeping his men on this search. He wanted to find the person who had helped his uncle.

  Once Chelsea was back in his life, in his home, he would truly have it all. And Gabe always got what he wanted.

  * * *

  Chelsea went with her favorite emerald-green sweater, dark jeans, and her cowgirl boots. She did her hair in loose curls and applied a thin layer of gloss. There was no way she’d avoid Gabe tonight and she wanted to look good but not overly made up.

  He’d texted over the past two days, but every time she’d started to reply, she simply hadn’t found the right words. How did she get into such a dramatic conversation via text? What she needed to say to him had to be said in person.

  Royal’s candlelight and caroling was one of her favorite events of the entire year. When everyone gathered together, it almost seemed as if the outside world didn’t exist, as if there were no problems, and peace on earth was indeed the reality. She wanted peace, not just for herself, but the town. The past year had been trying for so many, but this seemed to be a new hope and a new day to start over and move forward.

  Dare she hope the same was true for her own life? She wasn’t so much worried about the gossip regarding her photos anymore. Those who loved and cared for her had already forgotten and those who made rude remarks...well, she wasn’t going to concern herself with them.

  Her heart warmed as she thought back to how protective Gabe had been that night he’d handled one such jerk. Even though they’d agreed to keep their relationship private, he hadn’t cared one bit about his secrecy because he’d been set on defending her. Shouldn’t that tell her all she needed to know about the man she’d fallen for?

  Sometimes what seemed to be the truth was just a haze covering up the reality. Those pictures in his loft were damning, yes, but what motive would he have had to put them out there? Just because Dusty asked him to? Chelsea didn’t see Gabe doing such a thing. He had been angry about the scandal that had ensnared so many members of the TCC. And Gabe had been furious and mortified when Maverick’s identity had been revealed.

  Chelsea parked several blocks away from the town square and used the walk to clear her head. This was the first year she hadn’t come with Brandee, but she knew her friend was having a much better time on her honeymoon.

  The shops were all set up with their tables of last-minute Christmas items, baked goods, and hot chocolate and hot cider at the ready. Chelsea couldn’t resist getting a cup of cider on her way to the tree. Each table also had candles, so she grabbed one of those, as well.

  When she glanced at the white taper in her hand, she couldn’t help but inwardly roll her eyes. There was a sprig of mistletoe tied around the base, just below the clear disc to catch any wax drippings.

  Mistletoe seemed to be mocki
ng her lately. She was having a difficult time dodging it—and dodging the man who stood only a few feet in front of her holding his own candle.

  Chelsea’s heart kicked up as she made her way toward Gabe. He’d spotted her already and his eyes held hers as she drew closer.

  “I’ve been watching for you.”

  She’d missed his voice, missed looking into his face and seeing...everything. The desire, the concern, the love.

  Could their relationship be so simple? Could she believe everything he told her and let down her guard again?

  “I don’t know what to say,” she admitted, toying with the tie holding her mistletoe to the taper. “I want so much, Gabe. But I’m afraid.”

  Kids squealed and ran by; a mother chased them demanding that they stop. Gabe took hold of Chelsea’s elbow and steered her toward the side of a building, away from the chaos.

  “You think I’m not afraid?” he asked. With her back against the brick building, he shifted so his body blocked out the festivities behind them. “Having you walk out, thinking even for a second that I could hurt you in such a way, put more fear in me than I’d ever known.”

  Chelsea stared up into his eyes, her heart beating so fast. Gabe wasn’t lying; he wasn’t just saying pretty words. Everything he told her was from his heart.

  “I didn’t know what to think.” She still didn’t, but she couldn’t ignore the pull of emotions steering her toward him. “I didn’t want to believe the worst, but I panicked when I saw the letter. I know Dusty was all the family you had, so I got scared that your loyalty would override anything you felt for me.”

  Gabe dropped his candlestick to the ground and instantly framed her face, forcing her to hold his gaze. “Override love? Nothing and no one can replace what I feel for you.”

  Chelsea’s breath caught in her throat. “Love?”